New Delhi, January 17
Army officials in Leh were a part of a meeting convened by the Jammu and Kashmir government that agreed that China was encroaching into the land with "specific design" to grab a particular area to extend its control till Indus river.

"As per all maps and evidences, the Dokbug pasture (in Northeast of Leh) land undisputedly belongs to India and China is moving with specific design to grab this area to extend its control till Indus (river)," according to an official report.

During the meeting chaired by Commissioner (Leh) A K Sahu and attended by Brigadier-General Staff of 14 Corps Brig Sarat Chand and Colonel Indraj Singh, it was also agreed that all agencies must take "coordinated and effective measure to destroy the Chinese design and save our territory." Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, however, has recently dismissed the allegation that Indian land had shrunk along the Line of Actual Control.

The Army Chief had raised this issue during a Unified Command meeting earlier this week in Jammu and Kashmir as well but state Chief Secretary S S Kapoor made it clear to him that the state establishment did not agree with the Army's perception.

Other state officials present at the meeting said there was evidence suggesting that the Indian land had shrunk with China in the Himalayan town.

Originating in the Tibetan plateau in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar in Tibet Autonomous Region, the river runs a course through the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir, then enters Northern Areas (Gilgit-Baltistan)and later merges with the Arabian Sea near the port city of Karachi in Sindh.

The total length of the river is 3,180 kilometres (1,976 miles) and it is Pakistan's longest river.

The Dokbug area is the same place where "Rebos" (nomads) take their cattle during this period for grazing. In December 2008 and early last year, the nomads were driven out from the area by People's Liberation Army of China.

"The meeting decided that no such things would be allowed to happen in future and the morale of the nomads would be boosted through appropriate interventions from our side," the report said.

The meeting, which was attended by officials from the Jammu and Kashmir government, Ministry of Home Affairs and Army, "also felt the need for strengthening the patrolling."

Last year, Chinese troops had entered nearly 1.5 km into the Indian territory on July 31 near Mount Gya, recognised as International border by India and China, and painted boulders and rocks with "China" and "Chin9" in red spray paint.

The 22,420 ft Mount Gya, also known as "fair princess of snow" by Army, is located at the tri-junction of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, and Tibet. Its boundary was marked during the British era and regarded as International border by the two countries.

Before this, Chinese helicopters had violated Indian air space on June 21 along the Line of Actual Control in Chumar region and also heli-dropped some expired food. — PTI

Hyderabad, January 17
Former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao had done a lot of groundwork for constructing a Ram temple at Ayodhya but he could not carry his mission forward as Congress lost power in the 1996 general elections, claims a new book by one of his close confidants.

For two years, Rao -- with the help of his close aides -- meticulously planned to cobble together an apolitical 'trust' to take up the task of Ram temple construction at Ayodhya but political demands ahead of the impending general elections did not let him realise his goal, retired IAS officer P V R K Prasad says in a Telugu book "Asalu Emi Jarigindante" (What Actually Happened) that was released last week.

Prasad, an IAS officer of 1966 batch, was an additional secretary in Prime Minister's Office and Information Adviser to Rao. He had a long-standing association with Rao since the latter's stint as the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister in 1971.

The former Prime Minister, according to Prasad, felt the Ram temple could be constructed only after the case in the Supreme Court got resolved or if Hindus and Muslims sat and discussed together and arrived at an amicable decision.

Forming the apolitical Ram Temple Trust -- comprising heads of various Hindu mutts and religious bodies from across the country -- was one of the hardest political gambles that Rao, known as the 'apara Chanakya', had to play to checkmate the Congress' biggest political rival BJP on the Ayodhya issue, according to the book.

"They (BJP) say they will build the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Is Lord Rama their own," PV questioned, even as he was immersed in deep thoughts over the temple issue, Prasad recollects in his book.To counter the BJP on the temple issue, PV came up with an "amazingly new strategy," Prasad writes, saying the then Prime Minister wanted the Ram temple constructed through an apolitical trust, excluding the Viswa Hindu Parishad, with full support of the Governmentof India.

"There is only one solution... . we have to form a totally representative apolitical committee with heads of various Hindu mutts and religious bodies and entrust temple construction task to it," Prasad quotes PV as saying.The main intention behind this was to counter the BJP's "Ram temple construction agenda" ahead of the polls in four northern states (HP, UP, MP and Rajasthan) and gain political mileage."Rama is Hindus' most revered God. Is he BJP's own? What's their campaign? We can compete with the BJP but how can we do so with Rama," were the questions that bothered Rao, Prasad says. — PTI

Jaipur, January 17
They are known as “ships of desert”, but today the camel population in Rajasthan is on the decline, and that too alarmingly.

If the surveys conducted in the state are to be believed then the number of camels in the desert state has gone down by 40-50 per cent in almost all the districts. As per official figures, the population of camels in the state was 6.7 lakh in 1997. However, it came down to 4.98 lakh in 2003 and further declined to 4.3 lakh in 2007. The figure of 4.3 lakh is nothing less then appalling when compared to the census of 1987 which put the camel population in the state at about 10 lakh. It means the decline is well over 50 per cent in the last over two decades. There are apprehensions that the figure may dip further once the results of the latest census are out. At present the department of animal husbandry is compiling the figures of latest census based on the survey.

The gravity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that worried over the trend, the state government has pleaded with the Centre to take necessary steps for inclusion of camels in the category of endangered species. The officials of the animal husbandry department say the plea for inclusion of camels in this category is an attempt to attract attention towards the enormity of the situation. The state government has also urged the Union Agriculture Ministry to initiate immediate measures to keep a tab on the rapid pace with which camel population is decreasing in the state. Apart from it, the government has also constituted a committee comprising experts from the National Research Institute on Camel, Bikaner. The panel would look into various issues of immediate concern to save camels.

Meanwhile, experts attribute the decline in camel population to fast depleting grazing resources and forests, as also illegal export of camels and their slaughter. They also felt that drought-like situation prevailing in the state has led to a sharp increase in prices of fodder which has made rearing of camels a costly proposition for the livestock keepers. The last year's Pushkar Fair also proved this point, as it witnessed a glut of cattle.

New Delhi, January 17
Even as there was yet another train collision resulting in three deaths, the Railway Ministry drags its feet over the commissioning of an indigenously developed anti-collision device (ACD) that could have averted a spate of train accidents in foggy weather and loss of lives, says the man who designed it.

The ACD, designed and developed by former Konkan Railway managing director B. Rajaram, is credited with having a success rate of 99.9 per cent in preventing collisions, after its commissioning by the Konkan Railway and the Northeast Frontier Railway.

“Its implementation is being delayed over the years by successive revision of norms by the Railway Board, even though the technology has met the conditions successfully at every instance,” Rajaram told IANS

This, he said, was despite the fact that the Research Design and Standards Organisation, the Railway Ministry’s apex research body, as well as consultancy Lloyd’s Register Rail of the UK, had certified the technology. Lloyd’s Register Rail, a member of Lloyd’s Register group that has business interests in marine, energy, railways and managements sectors, has a team of of over 250 rail consultants globally.

The ADC device, showcased by the National Geographic channel, senses the presence of two trains approaching each other on the same track, bringing them to an immediate halt before possible collision. Three people died nearTundla in Uttar Pradesh after two trains collided in thick fog Saturday.

“The ACDs fill up gaps of what existing systems cannot do, like averting collisions even in block sections (the distance between two stations beyond the range of signals) and in foggy weather when signals are not visible,” said Rajaram, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.

During his tenure, the then Railway Board chairman KC. Jena had officially said ACDs would be installed initially in southern zones by 2009 as part of a phase-wise implementation of the project in all railway zones.

Western technologies relating to new rolling stock or signalling equipment are usually assigned to the Southern Railway or the New Delhi-Agra section --- considered the least risky zones --- for testing. But a different criteria seems to be applied in the case of indigenous technology, said Rajaram, who holds 14 US and global patents, including the ACD, in his name. 

Mumbai, January 17
A star-studded race, the seventh Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, got underway here Sunday morning amidst tight security and elaborate arrangements. Since 6 am, thousands of Mumbaikars started gathering in Azad Maidan near Churchgate to be part of the world-class event first organised in 2004.

Africa continued to dominate the Mumbai marathon with Kenyan Dennis Ndisso winning the seventh edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon today. Ndisso breasted the finish tape in 2.12 hours. The winner in the women's category was Bizunesh Urgesa of Ethiopia.

The $310,000 event saw more than 38,000 runners, including hundreds of foreigners, celebrities, Bollywood personalities, senior citizens, students and other groups join the run in different categories in the total 42 km long marathon from the Chhatrpati Shivaji Terminus to Bandra via the new Bandra-Worli Sea Link and back.

Missing from action was last year's winner Kenneth Mungara, who did not participate. David Tarus who was the runner up last year who was a hot favorite this year lost out in humid conditions as Ndisso and other over took him early on. Another favorite Frenchman Simon Munyutu too slipped behind.

“I am happy to be in India. It’s a fantastic course," said Kenyan Dennis Ndisso winning after bagging the trophy.

In the women's category Urgesa was the winner from Ethiopia for the third consecutive year. Three time winner Mulu Seboka who was a hot favorite was bypassed this time as sultry weather conditions proved to be too daunting. “It is my first visit to India... I loved running in your country," Urgesa after breasting the victory tape.

Both the male and female winners take home US$ 35,000.

Among Indian men Bining Lyngkhoi stood first with timing of 2.20 hours. Shastri Devi was the first Indian woman athlete clocking 3:10:03.

The Mumbai Marathon was expected to snag more than US $ 1.7 million for various charities.

Other major highlights today included the Half Marathon, a Veterans’ race and a 6 Km ‘Dream Run’. The Dream Run had top celebrities including actors John Abraham, Vidya Balan, Rahul Bose, Reitesh Deshmukh, Gul Panag, Akshay Kumar and Gulshan Grover and others. Model-turned actor Milind Soman in-fact completed the 42.1 km run.

Actress Genelia D'Souza ran for Nina Foundation that supports people with spinal cord injuries. "I am feeling good to be here. It's great,” she said.

The corporate world was represented by Anand Mahindra, while chairman of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Anil Ambani, a regular participant in the event, was conspicuous by his absence. His wife, Tina, remained in person to cheer the senior citizens who also launched their race. She boosted their morale by cheering and clapping. "One should experience the Mumbai spirit. I think what I have to say about the spirit of the participants is to take inspiration from them. Just look at their enthusiasm and learn something. They all live times way ahead of them, coping with it so well. It's amazing," Tina Ambani remarked, even as a couple married for 78 years and racing together was cheered by the crowds.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar's daughter Sara too ran in the dream run, as did noted cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle in the city's biggest annual sporting event.

Akshay, impressed by the seniors on the run, said more than giving them any inspiration, he had come to take inspiration and blessings from them.

(With inputs from PTI)

Jaipur, January 17
A majority of us now know about progeria, an extreme case of genetic disorder, courtesy the recently-released Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Paa’. However, four-year-old Amit of Jhunjhunu district has been living with this disease for over the last three years.

Talking to The Tribune, Amit’s grandfather Sispal Singh said, “He developed symptoms of progeria just few months after his birth, which resulted in sclerosis of skin. Later, he suffered a stroke which left him partially paralysed. Stiff joints troubled him a lot, making it difficult for him to sit properly. Earlier, he used to talk endlessly and enjoy playing with family members. However, the stroke literally crippled him. His right side got paralysed and with that he stopped talking”.

Amit’s father Rajpal Singh is a tempo driver in Jhunjhunu and the family is having a tough time in making both ends meet. Amit’s deteriorating health condition has added to the family’s financial woes.

Amit’s mother Anita said like other children, he, too, wants to attend school and play with other kids. “We have got him examined by almost all reputed doctors in our area and also tried other remedies but to no avail,” she lamented.

Dr Ashok Gupta, a pediatrician working on Amit, dubbed it as a rarest-of-rare case reported to the hospital in many years. He said they would try to slow down the ageing process in Amit who, according to him, is already showing the symptoms of progeria like failure in development and a localised skin condition. However, the doctors were unable to describe the impact of the disorder on the patient.

Amit was discharged from JK Lone Hospital in Jaipur on Friday after undergoing treatment for over a week. He was admitted to the hospital on January 6, after the left side of his body showed lack of activity.

Progeria has remained an incurable disorder despite years of research, though doctors have been able to slow down the ageing process with the help of medicines.

The disorder occurs in one in eight million births. Those born with progeria typically live from eight to 20 years, though increasing awareness towards the disease has helped such children lead more healthy lives.

Those who want to extend a helping hand to Amit’s family in his treatment can contact his grandfather Sispal Singh at his mobile no. 96672-88725.

Chennai, January 17
Strict enforcement of the Supreme Court guidelines ensured zero casualties in this year’s jallikattu (bull fight) at Alanganallur in Tamil Nadu this year. However, more than 50 persons, including 20 spectators, were injured, as the spectators jumped over the double barricades erected for the traditional game, observed as part of the Pongal celebrations.

Six of the injured were referred to the government hospital in Madurai. Of them, three were bullfighters. The rest were treated by a medical team present at the venue.

For the first time, around 1,500 entry tickets were sold at Rs 300 each. The sum collected would go to the government towards the expenses on gallery, barricades and other security measures.

The authorities denied permission to 113 bullfighters to participate in the event on medical or other grounds, as per the Supreme Court guidelines. Of the 494 bullfighters who had registered, only 381 were cleared for the event.

Among the bulls, 22 were rejected, while 377 were allowed to take part in the game. All bulls were vetted by Department of Animal Husbandry personnel. The bullfighters were also tested for alcohol.

Double-barricading was done along the arena to ensure that the rampaging bulls did not run into the gallery. Police personnel in riot gear were deployed in large numbers between the barricades. Surveillance cameras were also installed.

The Emergency Management and Research Institute had stationed four ambulances and a 22-member team close to the arena. Only bullfighters in authorised uniform were allowed into the ring. Those violating the rules and getting involved in scuffles were evicted by the police.

Representatives of the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals observed the proceedings, which was inaugurated by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers MK Azhagiri.

Haridwar, January 17
For those who can afford it, the path to the Mahakumbh Mela is just a flight away. Pilgrims are now winging their way to the Mahakumbh Mela on the banks of the Ganga here on choppers from New Delhi and Dehradun.

The Prabhatam Helicopter Service, a New Delhi-based chopper service, has deployed three helicopters to ferry pilgrims to the Mahakumbh, being visited by hundreds of thousands of people for a dip in the holy river.

A copter ride from New Delhi takes just 45 minutes and 30 minutes from Dehradun.

“For the last three days, we have been bringing pilgrims from New Delhi and Dehradun in choppers. The helicopters can accommodate five people,” said Rakesh Sharma, chief executive officer of the Prabhatam service.

The chopper packages for the Kumbh, Ganga Darshan, Rishikesh and Himalaya are Rs.3,100, Rs.5,100, Rs.11,000 and Rs.15,000, respectively, from New Delhi.“We launched the fleet on January 14. By next week, we expect more pilgrims to avail of the chopper services because of the dense mist on the highway. Yoga guru Ramdev, the co-founder of the Patanjali Yoga Peeth, has agreed to send 2,000 of his employees for a Mahakumbh Darshan as part of a motivational package next week,” he said, adding that around 1,000 people had been ferried to the Kumbh so far.

According to Sharma, whose company also builds homes and hotels, “the changing profile of visitors to the Mahakumbh Mela and to the twin towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar” forced him to think of a “shorter and faster mode of transport”.

“Over the last five years, more foreigners and non-resident Indians have been visiting Haridwar and Rishikesh on holidays. Some of them rent hotel rooms and guest houses for more than six months. But increasing hotel tariff and rising travel costs have made their holidays more expensive. The prospect of having permanent homes and cheaper air transport are more economical,” Sharma said.

The businessman who is building a luxury apartment complex for a global clientele in Rishikesh, said: “Many foreign nationals, who visit India every year, have booked homes in his complex”.

“They want to have permanent retreats on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar and Rishikesh,” Sharma said. — IANS

Haridwar, January 17
They live in their mountain retreats in the icy reaches of the Himalayas, practising extreme austerities. But many ash-smeared Naga sadhus who have come down here for the Mahakumbh Mela say they are rather concerned about terrorism and environmental pollution.

"Terrorism is one of the major threats confronting the world. It is alien to the culture of India, which is not open to 'unmatyata' or excesses," sant Divyanandji, a Naga sadhu associated with the Ramtapanch wing of the Juna Akhada religious sect, said at his camp in Jwalapur on the outskirts of Haridwar.

At least 250,000 Naga sadhus are expected to take part in the three-month-long Mahakumbh religious fair. Called naked seers, they are known for their "rigorous abstinence" and "inner fire" that helps them survive in temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Celsius in the Himalayas without clothes.

Maharaj Ved Vyas Puri said: "Any kind of recklessness destroys the social fabric, sowing seeds of terror. We are praying for world peace in this Mahakumbh Mela so that people stop indulging in subversive acts."

"We are taking up human causes and adapting to the role of social reformers. One of the issues that we are campaigning for currently is the environment. The people of northern India are worried because of the high level of pollution in the river Ganges. The government and the tourism department should be blamed for the state of the river and the litter in the Himalayas - from where the river emanates," he added.— IANS

Bangalore, January 17
After hurling swear words, Karnataka politicians are now ready to swear by the gods to prove their honesty in the face of charges of corruption, irregularity and amassing land.

Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa says he is ready to swear by any god his predecessor and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader HD Kumaraswamy names to prove false the latter’s charge of him taking bribe to appoint Bharat Lal Meena, an IAS officer, as commissioner of the Bangalore civic body.

“If he believes in gods, I will swear by those gods to prove that allegations are false,” Yeddyurappa said Sunday.

Kumaraswamy made the startling claim on Saturday after the civic body, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (Greater Bangalore City Corporation) worked an entire night to finalise contracts for Rs.3,400 crore (Rs.34 billion)-worth civic works in Bangalore.

Opposition Congress and the JDS allege that the BJP government finalised the contracts in a hurry to extract money from those who get the contract and use the amount to buy BBMP voters. Kumaraswamy also wants to swear by God to disprove allegations by senior BJP leader V. Dhananjaya Kumar on Saturday that his father and JDS chief HD Deve Gowda was opposing the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) because his family owned 4,000 acres of land along the corridor.